Our Team

Executive Director

Background: BSc. Biology (CBU); MSc Natural Resource Sciences (McGill); PhD Environment & Sustainability (USask)

Favourite animal: Jumping spiders (but also Orcas)

Kathleen joined the ACAP Cape Breton team as ED in the spring of 2021. She is a committed problem solver, who enjoys working collaboratively to address environmental challenges.

To reach Kathleen: ed[at]acapcb.ns.ca. Please note that the ED address receives a high volume of email. If you have a general inquiry, try info[at]acapcb.ns.ca.

Habitat Restoration Manager

Background: BSc. Biology (CBU), Ecosystem Restoration grad certificate (Niagara College)

Favourite animal: deer (...bunnies, octopods)

Jen is happiest when she’s boots-deep in a stream or up to her elbows in soil. Through habitat restoration she invites us to muddy our boots as well, and explore the depths of our local ecosystems because she believes that with understanding comes stewardship.

Reach out to Jen regarding possible habitat restoration sites, or questions regarding past restoration projects:

jcooper[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Ecological Monitoring Team Lead

Background: BSc. Biology (CBU)

Favourite animal: Whales…and dogs!

Meg spends her time at ACAP monitoring lots of exciting things like frogs and species at risk. She can often be found getting her hands dirty in coastal wetlands and streams. She believes that humans are deeply connected to nature and strives to make our environment a better place for everyone and everything we share it with!

If you’d like to learn more about monitoring in coastal wetlands or streams, reach out to Meaghan at:

mfortune[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Project Manager - Forest Restoration

Background: Natural Resource Environmental Technology (NSCC)

Favourite animal: Inchworms (any color)

Morgan loves a good hike, hauling logs and finding wild snacks. He is proudly leading our forest restoration initiative that is re-introducing healthy Wabanaki/Acadian forest ecosystems to human-disturbed areas of Cape Breton/Unama’ki.

Please reach out to Morgan if you know of a potential tree planting area or if you are a private landowner who may be interested in having trees planted on your land:

mcampbell[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Habitat Restoration Program Manager

Background: Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Dalhousie University)

Favourite animal: Anything she can pet.

Shauntel is a jack of all trades and is always willing to jump onto a project and help in any way she can. You can find her out in the streams installing fish chutes and digger logs, collecting samples in the forest, or training the ACAP staff in all things safety.

If you have a question or need some help with heavy lifting, Shauntel’s your go to!

skelly[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Program Manager for Western Cape Breton

Background: Bachelor of Arts: Celtic Studies (StFX) Bachelor of Arts: Honours in Anthropology with a subsidiary in Interdisciplinary Studies in Aquatic Resources (StFX) Master of Environmental Studies (Dalhousie University)

Favourite animal: How do I choose just one!? Bobcats, bison, fish, and amphibians are just a few of my favourites!

From a young age, Monica loved the outdoors, especially beach trips to West Mabou Beach. Finding trout in the local brook and looking for frogs or toads were and remain a constant activity in her life. Today, Monica is sharing her love for the outdoors and environmental advocacy with fellow residents.

Reach out to Monica if you have any questions about current or future ACAP Cape Breton work in Inverness County:

mragan[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Trashformers Coordinator

Background: BSc. Environmental Science (SMU)

Favourite animal: Cats and hummingbirds

Growing up in the woods instilled a love of nature in Mairi from a young age. Since then, that love has grown into a passion for environmental advocacy and finding creative solutions to local environmental issues. She has been known to describe herself as a generalist, and enjoys the opportunity ACAP provides to learn and work on many different projects.

If you’d like to learn more about getting involved with citizen science or litter cleanups reach out to Mairi at:

mmusgrave[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Education Lead

Background: Natural Resources Environmental Technology Diploma (NSCC) Environmental Engineering Technology Degree (CBU)

Favourite animal: Red Pandas, racoons, owls and of course, cats!

Meaghan is the one heading out into our watersheds, lakes, wetlands, classrooms and more to bring environmental education to youth and the community. She loves spending time outside and being able to share her passion for protecting our habitats and having the chance to inspire others to make a difference.

Reach out to Meaghan if you would like to learn more about what education programs are available:

mtobin[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Ecological Monitoring Lead - Terrestrial

Background: Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment (CBU), Master of Science in Geography (Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador)

Favourite animal: Bumble bees and cats

Hannah loves bees, trees, and a good cup of tea. With a strong passion for research and environmental literacy, Hannah loves connecting with and learning from nature, using her skillsets to enhance ecological health and involve community members in environmental conservation.

Are you interested in learning more about pollinators, hoping to make your farm or garden more pollinator-friendly, or have general questions about monitoring and research at ACAP? Reach out to Hannah.

hkosick[at]acapcb.nc.ca

Finance Administrator

Background: Bachelor of Business Administration: Accounting Major (CBU)

Favourite animal: Axolotls and tarsiers

Marcus began learning, working, and growing with ACAP in 2022 as the Trashformers Coordinator. Since then, he has moved into different roles at ACAP such as the team lead for the Trashformers, volunteer operations coordinator, and currently, finance administrator.

mgartland[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Environmental Technician

Background: BSc. Biology (CBU)

Favorite animal: Octopus, manatees

Nevon joined ACAP in the Fall of 2023. He has a deep interest in all things biology and enjoys hands on science in our beautiful Cape Breton ecosystems.

If you’d like to learn how to get involved or just exchange biology ideas, feel free to connect with Nevon:

ngriffiths[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Stream Intern

Background: Studied Civil Engineering at University of New Brunswick, Water Alternation Certificate, Chainsaw Safety & Awareness Certificate, Occupational Health and Safety Certificate, L'nu Stories and Traditional Knowledge shared by Elders, Language Keepers, Sacred Knowledge Keepers and Ceremonialists, lifelong apprentice of Professor Sheldon Googoo.

Favourite animal: Eagle

Peter has experience working as an Engineer's assistant with M&R Engineering at Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC) for two summers and working at Membertou Heritage Park. With this unique combination of experience and with the guidance of his traditional Elders, Peter brings a fresh perspective to working with the Land.

Wela'lin Msit Nokomaq - Thank you, All my Relations.

ppaul[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Volunteer and Communications Coordinator

Background: BA (Hons) Psychology (StFX)

Favourite animal: Cats! Also pretty keen on raccoons and foxes.

Jenna is interested in learning about sustainability and how we as a society can reduce our carbon footprint. She joined ACAP Cape Breton as the Volunteer and Communications Coordinator in the Fall of 2023, overseeing ACAP communications and our growing volunteer community.

communications[at]acapcb.ns.ca

Forest Restoration Project Coordinator

Background: BAS Environment (CBU), Graduate Certificate in GIS (NSCC/COGS)

Favourite animal: Hermit Thrush, Grackle

A former member of ACAP’s 2020 Stream Team, Rory joined on as a member of the Forest Restoration team in 2024. Now, he is working to help forests recover from anthropogenically mediated disturbances in ecosystems across Unama’ki. In his personal life, Rory hopes to see as many of the Earth’s unique ecosystems as he possibly can, exploring the different levels to which all life is interconnected (all while recording observations on iNaturalist).

Reach out to Rory with any questions about ACAP’s Forest Restoration projects, how to potentially be involved in ACAP’s tree planting initiatives, or how to navigate the iNaturalist platform.

rmacneil[at]acapcb.ns.ca